All Chapters of Forsaken Mate: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

"Get up, bitch." Wesley sneers down at me, his voice dripping with venom. "Or do you need more time to finish crying to mommy dearest?" His words sting, but I'm used to them, along with his slaps, his kicks, his punches. His words are probably his weakest weapon, but that doesn't stop them from stirring something wounded within me. I pick myself up and get on my feet despite my aching, tense abdomen. I know the drill and keep my eyes lowered. Grit and bear it. That's all I have to do. Just grit my teeth and bear it. "Not much of a mother, though," he sniffs, circling me and her grave. "Took the first chance she could to leave you behind. I guess that's where you get that coward streak from." Wesley Wrest knows just what to say to cut me deep. He's had years of practice. Of course every insult and barb is carefully calculated to prick at my raw nerves. He also knows that I can't do anything against him. As the future Alpha of River Crest, he's already got more power than he knows w

Stepping out into the warm sunshine, I feel nothing but cold. A shiver runs through me when I see Deadrick Pride’s imposing figure looming at the end of the gravel path. A hint of anger still boils in his grey eyes as he approaches me at the bottom of my stoop. He barely surveys the damage he caused last night, grimacing as though the state of my home was the result of my shortcomings. Like the wreckage is proof I’m always at fault. How dare I not repair everything he ruined in mere minutes? Useless, stupid Makayla. Before he reaches me, I step forward and bow deeply, as is required for underlings when in the presence of pack leadership. Can’t say I hate it. It gives me an excuse to look away from his perpetually disappointed face. To meet his eyes would be like stepping into a minefield, so I keep my gaze lowered even after finishing the bow. Volatile doesn’t even begin to cover my father’s temperament, and there’s no way of knowing what will set him off. “You took your time,” he

With Milla silenced and my appearance made "presentable," I head to the River Crest pack house. Twenty minutes of walking in heels isn't ideal, but it's a reasonable excuse to delay the inevitable.The pack house comes into view too soon for my liking, and I heave a heavy sigh. This place is the absolute worst. It starkly contrasts the wilderness I usually call home, a grandeur that feels like another world.Stepping through the opulent doors, I hold my breath and keep my gaze lowered to the floor, sticking to the walls and corners of each room.My father's orders loop in my mind like a mantra—blend in, be quiet, be invisible. I've mastered this art form during the years I've barely survived in River Crest.I risk a quick glance around the main hall and can't deny how beautiful the pack house is. White wisteria hangs from the ceiling and nearly every flat surface. Lace, tulle, and candles, all in River Crest's signature blue, white, and gold.My blue dress blends with the event's blue,

Dinner ends, and the dishes are carted away, mine still loaded with most of what Griselda heaped on it. In the end, I couldn’t stomach more than a dozen forkfuls before my nerves threatened to send it all back up for a second look. It’s for the best. I want to survive this evening, so I need to be on my toes and not lethargic from a grand feast. But now there’s nothing to distract Wesley and Quinn from trying to goad me into making a spectacle of myself to ruin the celebration. No doubt they caught wind of Beta Pride’s tense attitude. His enthusiastic punishment of me has never been a secret. Many verbal and physical lashings I’ve received came with a live audience. Quinn’s vicious gaze lingers for an especially long time on my father’s hard expression. I can damn near read her mind. She’s scheming to light his fuse and aim him in my direction. There is no chance in hell that I am falling into that trap tonight. Not when I’ve already been promised to Alpha Nolan should anything go

The rest of the event sputters on without incident. Not long after I return to Beta Pride's side Alpha Thane wanders away from Quinn's flaunting and mewling. Somehow, I find myself back in his perimeter, occasionally catching a wayward glance or nod from the intimidating man. Alpha Nolan and my father are too preoccupied trying to earn his favor to notice. Still, his subtle attention doesn't escape me. Whenever his cold eyes land on me, a mischievous spark glinting within them, I want to curl in on myself. Just what is he planning? Even as Alpha Nolan rambles about amending the terms now that the two packs have improved relations, Alpha Thane's gaze flickers in my direction. It's so fast I doubt anyone else notices. But me, and it sends a prick of panic down my spine. I wish I knew what's going on in this man's head. What his interest in me is. Was telling him I'm at his disposal a mistake? Alpha Thane holds his cards close to his chest. I can't understand what kind of man he is,